Aquarius

British Virgin Islands

Advanced Scuba & Intro to Sailing with Watersports

If you’re looking for a summer experience that not only takes your scuba diving abilities to new levels but also teaches you how to harness the wind and pilot a 50-ft sailboat, then the Aquarius voyage is for you.

This teen scuba camp is geared towards certified divers, so get ready for three unmatched weeks below the surface as you survey historic shipwrecks, explore astounding marine ecosystems, and take in the nocturnal world of night diving.

But the best part of the Aquarius scuba summer camp is that while you feed one passion, you’ll also get a taste for another during your extensive intro to sailing program. When you sign on with ActionQuest, you sign on to life on the water.

Watch AQ Scuba For Yourself

Learning to sail!

As someone new to sailing you’ll learn on the world’s most beautiful waters under the guidance of ActionQuest’s incredible staff…

ARRIVING TO ACTIONQUEST IN THE BRITISH VIRGIN ISLANDS

Your adventure begins! The majority of students will be flying to St. Thomas (STT) in the US Virgin Islands . For students flying via STT, ActionQuest’s professional staff meet them and assist with the beautiful ferry ride to Tortola then on to the entire camp which awaits you in West End, Tortola. There you will go through the formal check in process and make your way to your new comfortable and clean floating home. For those flying directly into the BVI (EIS), students are met by an airport representative.

Students then get to spend the rest of the first day of this sailing program preparing for life aboard and getting to know one another while the sun sets behind the dock.

Aquarius Activities

Advanced Scuba Diving (10 Dives)

PADI Advanced Open Water Certification

The PADI Advanced Open Water Diver Course is the next step up from Open Water, and will increase your knowledge and safety while diving in different aquatic environments. Two of the five areas are required topics; the Deep Diving and Underwater Navigation, and we add three more topics such as Night Diving, Wreck Diving, Boat Diving and Underwater Naturalist. Experience real adventure on our advanced scuba diving summer camp!

Aquarius Activities

Advanced Scuba Diving (Cont.)

PADI Peak Performance Buoyancy Specialty

Excellent buoyancy control is what defines skilled scuba divers. You’ve seen them underwater. They glide effortlessly, use less air and ascend, descend or hover almost as if by thought. They more easily observe aquatic life without disturbing their surroundings. You can achieve this, too. The PADI Peak Performance Buoyancy Specialty course improves the buoyancy skills you learned as a new diver and elevates them to the next level.

Aquarius Activities

Advanced Scuba Diving (Cont.)

PADI Fish Identification Specialty

“What was that fish?” is a common question heard after a dive. If you want to be the scuba diver with the answers, instead of the one asking the questions, then take the AWARE – Fish Identification Specialty course. You’ll enjoy your dives even more when you recognize the creatures that you see and can identify the main fish families and their characteristics.

Aquarius Itinerary (Days 6-10)

via Vixen Point, Anegada, and Mt. Point

Day 6 – Now in the North Gorda Sound, spend an activity rotation day going for your second advanced scuba dive, skiing/wakeboarding and windsurfing.

Day 7 – Activity rotation day! This time we get to work on our points of sail on small 19-21 ft. keelboats. In the evening you get to practice your dance skills during the incredible ActionQuest Beach Party!

Day 8 – Time for a real sailing passage! Spend your day sailing to the beautiful island of Anegada and play on its white sand beaches for lunch.

Day 14 – Back to Muskmellon Bay for your final activity rotation day! Finish the day with a relaxing downwind sail to Cane Garden Bay.

Day 15 – Start the day with a camp wide hike up Mt. Sage, compete in a camp wide sand castle contest, and finish the day at Sydney’s Peace and Love for dinner.

Day 16 – Sailing Exam! Time to put all your sail training to the test as you take your IYT International Crew sailing exam.

Aquarius Activities

Watersports

Waterskiing, Wakeboarding, and Kneeboarding

Here in the BVI we travel with a full set of watersports equipment. We have six rib dinghies that are perfect for skiing so everyone gets to try wakeboarding and water skiing for the first time or master a few tricks and learn to slalom! Over the last 30 years, we have taught thousands to ski, wakeboard and kneeboard.

Aquarius Activities

Watersports

Windsurfing

We also have complete windsurfing rigs with multiple sails for all wind conditions! In between scuba diving, sailing and wakeboarding you’ll get to play on the beach while you either learn to windsurf for the first time, practice that perfect water-start and jibe, or simply take the sails off and enjoy a stand up paddle board.

Aquarius Activities

Life Aboard AQ

Lifeworks Forum

It’s amazing how much you can learn about yourself when you are living in close quarters with a bunch of strangers…

Beyond all the exciting activities, it is this personal growth that we find equally important, and at AQ we highlight this growth through an element of all AQ programs called the Lifeworks Forum. Held at intervals throughout the voyage, the forum is designed to complement the learning that takes place through the everyday interaction aboard. Students have the opportunity to participate in – and lead – discussions on topics like personal responsibility, values, integrity, communication and goals. Of all the skills that students take from their voyages, it is the life skills that can carry them the farthest. At AQ, we feel that while building one’s life, it is important to be sure it is based on a foundation of compassion and personal integrity.

Aquarius Activities

Life Aboard AQ

The Job Wheel

At ActionQuest, there are no passengers, only shipmates. Being a shipmate means that you will share the day to day responsibility of running a 50 ft. sailing vessel! While the staff are there to teach and help, your daily job will be assigned by using the famous “AQ job wheel”. Have you ever been the head chef for 15 people? You will with AQ! Each day, the wheel turns and you will get a new job, and at the end of the trip, you can truly say that you were involved in every aspect of making your adventure happen.

Aquarius Activities

Intro to Sailing

Keelboat Sailing

There really aren’t any days that our Aquarius students are not actively involved in sailing.

The majority of the Aquarius students’ sail training aims to teach them every aspect of keelboat cruising. The training is a combination of on-the-water practical experience along with in depth theory lessons in a classroom environment. The practical days on the water find our students trading time at the helm, trimming the sails, helping navigate the course, or helping with the engineering of the ships systems, they truly are full time crew members aboard a 50 ft. sailing yacht.

Aquarius Activities

Intro to Sailing (Cont.)

Dinghy Sailing

Alongside all the sailing they do on the “big boats”, Aquarius students get to spend many hours fine tuning their tactical small boat handling skills on our fleet of RS Zest sailboats.

Aquarius Activities

Intro Sailing (Cont.)

Small Keelboat Sailing

On top of our permanent fleet of AQ smaller dinghies, our students also get to really up their sailing games by having a full day practicing on the small fleet of 19-24 foot keelboats that we use from the world renowned Bitter End Yacht Club in the North Sound of Virgin Gorda.

Get Our Free Online Brochure

Full of detailed information about our adventures, staff, and FAQs for you to access anytime.

First Name*

Last Name*

Email*

I am a...*

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I'd like to receive a few emails from AQ which feature discounts, voyage availability, and other fresh information.

Aquarius Itinerary (Days 17-21)

via Peter Island, Salt Island, Road Town, and West End

Day 17 – Race #1 & #2. Test your skills in 2 high speed races against the rest of the fleet.

Day 18 – Today you get to dive the famous wreck of the Rhone, hike to the top of Salt Island and finish with a movie night.

Day 19 – Shore day in Road Town, Tortola’s capital!

Day 20 – Begin the last full day of this sailing program with your final race against the other boats, then spend the evening soaking it all in with a BBQ in West End.

Day 21 – Fly Day!

Time To Say Goodbye

There’s always a mix of emotions on departure day. The excitement to go home is always overwhelmed by the realization that the Adventure is over and that it’s time to say goodbye to the people you’ve grown so close to over the last few weeks. Day 1 will simultaneously seem like the day before and a lifetime ago as you and your crew take a private ferry for the last leg of your journey together.

“AQ staff, everything you do is truly amazing. You provide the perfect environment for learning, creativity and to just letting your students be themselves. This camp means the world to me and I wouldn't change my experiences here for anything. My dream is to work here one day and give students the thrills I've experienced. LOVE YOU ALL”

Aquarius Overview

Below you will find all the specific details about our Aquarius scuba summer camp, but there’s no better way to learn more than to watch for yourself!

ARRIVING TO ACTIONQUEST IN THE BRITISH VIRGIN ISLANDS

Your adventure begins! The majority of students will be flying to St. Thomas (STT) in the US Virgin Islands . For students flying via STT, ActionQuest’s professional staff meet them and assist with the beautiful ferry ride to Tortola then on to the entire camp which awaits you in West End, Tortola. There you will go through the formal check in process and make your way to your new comfortable and clean floating home. For those flying directly into the BVI (EIS), students are met by an airport representative.

Students then get to spend the rest of the first day of this sailing program preparing for life aboard and getting to know one another while the sun sets behind the dock.

Aquarius Itinerary (Days 2-5)

via West End, Norman Island, Savannah Bay, and The Baths

After the first night spent sleeping in your new floating home alongside 11 other students, your advanced scuba summer camp begins…

Day 2 – Embark on your first sail to Norman Island, snorkel the caves.

Day 3 – Long practical sailing day en route to the beautiful Savannah Bay on Virgin Gorda.

Day 5 – Explore “The Baths”, a truly world famous site, then enjoy your first time in port in Spanish Town. Afternoon sail to North Gorda Sound.

Aquarius Activities

Advanced Scuba Diving (10 Dives)

PADI Advanced Open Water Certification

The PADI Advanced Open Water Diver Course is the next step up from Open Water, and will increase your knowledge and safety while diving in different aquatic environments. Two of the five areas are required topics; the Deep Diving and Underwater Navigation, and we add three more topics such as Night Diving, Wreck Diving, Boat Diving and Underwater Naturalist. Experience real adventure on our advanced scuba diving summer camp!

Aquarius Activities

Advanced Scuba Diving (Cont.)

PADI Peak Performance Buoyancy Specialty

Excellent buoyancy control is what defines skilled scuba divers. You’ve seen them underwater. They glide effortlessly, use less air and ascend, descend or hover almost as if by thought. They more easily observe aquatic life without disturbing their surroundings. You can achieve this, too. The PADI Peak Performance Buoyancy Specialty course improves the buoyancy skills you learned as a new diver and elevates them to the next level.

Aquarius Activities

Advanced Scuba Diving (Cont.)

PADI Fish Identification Specialty

“What was that fish?” is a common question heard after a dive. If you want to be the scuba diver with the answers, instead of the one asking the questions, then take the AWARE – Fish Identification Specialty course. You’ll enjoy your dives even more when you recognize the creatures that you see and can identify the main fish families and their characteristics.

Watch AQ Scuba For Yourself

Submerged in a completely different world – a world where “exotic” doesn’t begin to describe what’s in front of your eyes – that’s ActionQuest scuba diving summer camp.

Aquarius Itinerary (Days 6-10)

via Vixen Point, Anegada, and Mt. Point

Day 6 – Now in the North Gorda Sound, spend an activity rotation day going for your second advanced scuba dive, skiing/wakeboarding and windsurfing.

Day 7 – Activity rotation day! This time we get to work on our points of sail on small 19-21 ft. keelboats. In the evening you get to practice your dance skills during the incredible ActionQuest Beach Party!

Day 8 – Time for a real sailing passage! Spend your day sailing to the beautiful island of Anegada and play on its white sand beaches for lunch.

Day 14 – Back to Muskmellon Bay for your final activity rotation day! Finish the day with a relaxing downwind sail to Cane Garden Bay.

Day 15 – Start the day with a camp wide hike up Mt. Sage, compete in a camp wide sand castle contest, and finish the day at Sydney’s Peace and Love for dinner.

Day 16 – Sailing Exam! Time to put all your sail training to the test as you take your IYT International Crew sailing exam.

Aquarius Activities

Intro to Sailing

Keelboat Sailing

There really aren’t any days that our Aquarius students are not actively involved in sailing.

The majority of the Aquarius students’ sail training aims to teach them every aspect of keelboat cruising. The training is a combination of on-the-water practical experience along with in depth theory lessons in a classroom environment. The practical days on the water find our students trading time at the helm, trimming the sails, helping navigate the course, or helping with the engineering of the ships systems, they truly are full time crew members aboard a 50 ft. sailing yacht.

Aquarius Activities

Intro to Sailing (Cont.)

Dinghy Sailing

Alongside all the sailing they do on the “big boats”, Aquarius students get to spend many hours fine tuning their tactical small boat handling skills on our fleet of RS Zest sailboats.

Aquarius Activities

Intro Sailing (Cont.)

Small Keelboat Sailing

On top of our permanent fleet of AQ smaller dinghies, our students also get to really up their sailing games by having a full day practicing on the small fleet of 19-24 foot keelboats that we use from the world renowned Bitter End Yacht Club in the North Sound of Virgin Gorda.

Aquarius Activities

Watersports

Waterskiing, Wakeboarding, and Kneeboarding

Here in the BVI we travel with a full set of watersports equipment. We have six rib dinghies that are perfect for skiing so everyone gets to try wakeboarding and water skiing for the first time or master a few tricks and learn to slalom! Over the last 30 years, we have taught thousands to ski, wakeboard and kneeboard.

Aquarius Activities

Watersports

Windsurfing

We also have complete windsurfing rigs with multiple sails for all wind conditions! In between scuba diving, sailing and wakeboarding you’ll get to play on the beach while you either learn to windsurf for the first time, practice that perfect water-start and jibe, or simply take the sails off and enjoy a stand up paddle board.

Get Our Free Online Brochure

Full of detailed information about our adventures, staff, and FAQs for you to access anytime.

First Name*

Last Name*

Email*

I am a...*

Email me interesting stuff!

I'd like to receive a few emails from AQ which feature discounts, voyage availability, and other fresh information.

Aquarius Activities

Life Aboard AQ

Lifeworks Forum

It’s amazing how much you can learn about yourself when you are living in close quarters with a bunch of strangers…

Beyond all the exciting activities, it is this personal growth that we find equally important, and at AQ we highlight this growth through an element of all AQ programs called the Lifeworks Forum. Held at intervals throughout the voyage, the forum is designed to complement the learning that takes place through the everyday interaction aboard. Students have the opportunity to participate in – and lead – discussions on topics like personal responsibility, values, integrity, communication and goals. Of all the skills that students take from their voyages, it is the life skills that can carry them the farthest. At AQ, we feel that while building one’s life, it is important to be sure it is based on a foundation of compassion and personal integrity.

Aquarius Activities

Life Aboard AQ

The Job Wheel

At ActionQuest, there are no passengers, only shipmates. Being a shipmate means that you will share the day to day responsibility of running a 50 ft. sailing vessel! While the staff are there to teach and help, your daily job will be assigned by using the famous “AQ job wheel”. Have you ever been the head chef for 15 people? You will with AQ! Each day, the wheel turns and you will get a new job, and at the end of the trip, you can truly say that you were involved in every aspect of making your adventure happen.

Aquarius Itinerary (Days 17-21)

via Peter Island, Salt Island, Road Town, and West End

Day 17 – Race #1 & #2. Test your skills in 2 high speed races against the rest of the fleet.

Day 18 – Today you get to dive the famous wreck of the Rhone, hike to the top of Salt Island and finish with a movie night.

Day 19 – Shore day in Road Town, Tortola’s capital!

Day 20 – Begin the last full day of this sailing program with your final race against the other boats, then spend the evening soaking it all in with a BBQ in West End.

Day 21 – Fly Day!

Time To Say Goodbye

There’s always a mix of emotions on departure day. The excitement to go home is always overwhelmed by the realization that the Adventure is over and that it’s time to say goodbye to the people you’ve grown so close to over the last few weeks. Day 1 will simultaneously seem like the day before and a lifetime ago as you and your crew take a private ferry for the last leg of your journey together.

“AQ staff, everything you do is truly amazing. You provide the perfect environment for learning, creativity and to just letting your students be themselves. This camp means the world to me and I wouldn't change my experiences here for anything. My dream is to work here one day and give students the thrills I've experienced. LOVE YOU ALL”

Need More Information?

Certifications

On top of all of the other fun adventure sports and activities, during the Aquarius Youth Adventure Camp, you’ll have the opportunity to earn these certifications:

Scuba Certifications

Advanced Open Water Diver Certification

Exploration. Excitement. Experiences. That’s what the PADI Advanced Open Water Diver course is all about. You don’t have to be “advanced” to take it – it’s designed to build confidence and expand your scuba skills through different scuba diving summer camps…Learn More >

Peak Performance Buoyancy Specialty

Excellent buoyancy control is what defines skilled scuba divers. You’ve seen them underwater. They glide effortlessly, use less air and ascend, descend or hover almost as if by thought…Learn More >

Fish ID Specialty

“What was that fish?” is a common question heard after a dive. If you want to be the scuba diver with the answers, instead of the one asking the questions, then take the AWARE – Fish Identification Specialty course…Learn More >

Sailing Certifications

IYT International Crew

The IYT International Crew course is designed for students with limited previous experience, who are looking to become an active and competent crew member aboard a power or sailing yacht…Learn More >

Need to know

Aquarius is perfect for anyone who is already certified in scuba diving, with an interest in building their sailing skills from the ground up. During the program, there is also a big emphasis on other water sports, such as water skiing, windsurfing, and wakeboarding. Off the water, we’ll visit the islands, explore the towns, cook out on the white sand beaches and hike to the top of the tallest mountain. Aquarius is a real all-rounder and has a lot for everyone.

Since the Aquarius Adventure includes advanced certification training, joining the program ready to dive is important. While you don’t need a whole lot of experience, you need to have your Open Water scuba certification from a diving agency such as PADI, NAUI, SSI, CMAS or BSAC completed prior to the trip. Please note that this needs to be a complete Open Water Certification as even the PADI Scuba Diver Certification does not meet this minimum requirement.

If you’re not able to complete the full certification but still want to join a program that teaches advanced scuba, consider the Neptune or Dolphin Adventures as these trips are open to those with a valid PADI Diving Referral. A referral is when a student performs the Academic and Confined Water (swimming pool) training at home, then we finish the course by completing the Open Water dives during the first couple of days of the Adventure.

Aquarius is one of our largest programs and you’ll sail with up to eight boats in a flotilla, each with 10 to 12 students aboard. It’s a lot of fun sailing as part of a larger fleet, where you can interact with many other teens and staff from all over the world.

Given that we have a number of yachts sailing together, this allows us to berth teens aboard based upon their age and grade. We try to make this as appropriate as possible and typically you can expect to be aboard with other students within about a year of your own age (plus or minus). Please contact us if you have any specific considerations in this regard.

Aquarius runs exclusively aboard traditional single-hulled yachts (monohulls). We use only the finest charter yachts available, all of which are in the 50-foot range. Each vessel has 5 cabins, a large salon which converts to a 6th cabin, and 4 full bathrooms (heads). The world’s largest charter company, Moorings/Sunsail, maintains all of our yachts to the highest standard.

From the moment you arrive, you’ll move aboard your yacht and live on board full-time. It’s true to say that living on a boat is A LOT tighter than living at home. With up to 12 students and 3 staff living together, it can feel cramped for those not used to it, yet this close community environment is where so much of the experience is created.

All of our vessels have 5 cabins and a large salon that converts to a 6th. While there’s just about enough room for everyone to sleep down below should it rain, on our typical clear and dry evenings many of us like to sleep out on deck, swinging in a hammock under the stars. under the stars.

AQ is proud to attract and recruit the best in our field. Our summer staff includes professional maritime captains, professional PADI dive instructors and medical professionals. Above all, we hire responsible and experienced facilitators and educators. All members of our team are dynamic, multi-talented, and passionate individuals with a devotion and commitment to the safety and experience of our students.

At AQ we strive for nutritious, and delicious meals. Student chefs of the day prepare meals onboard with help from the staff using a mixture of goods we have imported and local fresh food we pick up onshore every few days. On occasion throughout the trip, students will have the option to eat at a restaurant during shore time to sample the local offerings. Living onboard a boat for three weeks in the British Virgin Islands poses its own difficulties in terms of provisioning and cooking but when it’s all said and done, meal-time is often a highlight of each day.

During the application process, families can inform us of any dietary allergies or restrictions. We are usually able to accommodate vegetarians, vegans etc., as well as various food allergies. However, if your student has a severe allergy to peanuts or other common substances, please call our office to discuss the options.

Given that all students will be living aboard a sailboat for the duration of their adventure, we recommend that you keep things simple and avoid over packing. Students are given the opportunity to do laundry once in the middle of the trip, so there’s no need to pack several weeks’ worth of clothing.

Our hope is that families will have minimal purchases prior to the trip, so we’ve compiled our packing lists in a way that you’ll find most of what you need in your closet at home. Around mid to late March, we make available our Pre-Trip Packet to enrolled students, which contains a detailed packing list for this year’s adventures. If you’d like to see last year’s packing list as an example, you can download it here.

Even if you are not originating in the U.S., Leah will be able to provide options and guidance.

How do we get there?

Our recommended route is via St. Thomas (STT) in the USVI although students also have the option of flying to Beef Island (EIS).

Does AQ provide support on travel days?

Yes. We understand that travel days can be stressful for both parents and students, so no matter what time of the day or night, our office team actively monitors and supports our participants during travel. We require students to travel with a mobile phone with domestic data capability so we can monitor their progress and communicate directly if necessary.

For students flying via St Thomas, ActionQuest arranges for a staff member to assist with the transfer to Tortola via ferry. After arrival in Tortola, students are met at the ferry dock by more of ActionQuest’s professional staff, then collectively continue onto a taxi that takes them to the boats.

Emergency money for unanticipated events such as doctors visits etc. – We ask that all students bring $300, which is held by staff and returned at the end of the program.

Discounts and Savings

A one-time total tuition fee deduction of 5% is granted for any two adventures or for two or more students from the same family.

Any two consecutive programs may be joined to form one extended course. In the interim between programs, students stay with staff. The total cost is determined by combining the cost of each program and subtracting the 5% extended course discount. (This discount also applies toward any trips adjoining our sister program GoBeyond.) ActionQuest and/or GoBeyond enrollment for any two programs in the same summer will be considered as a single extended program in the event of withdrawal or dismissal from the trip at any time.

Travel Docs & Visas

All students traveling to the BVI need to have a passport which is valid for a minimum of three months after the date of departure from the BVI. Visitors from certain countries other than the US, UK and Canada may require visas.

For the most up-to-date and thorough information, please visit travel.state.gov. Students traveling on non-U.S. passports should verify passport and visa requirements for your nationality by contacting your local British embassy or consulate or the nearest BVI Tourist Board Office.

One important point to mention is that most students joining us in the BVI do so by flying via St. Thomas, which is part of the US Virgin Islands. This means that those students not flying on a US or Canadian passport need to consider whether they need to apply for a U.S. visa or ESTA (Electronic System for Travel Authorization). Please call us with any questions.

Vaccinations

For visiting the BVI, the CDC recommends that all travelers are up-to-date on routine vaccinations that most of us had as children (measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccine, diphtheria-tetanus-pertussis vaccine, varicella (chickenpox) vaccine, polio vaccine.

That said, we understand that families have varying opinions on vaccinations. Some greatly desire the precaution; others prefer to avoid possible side effects of certain medications. Coupled with the fact that each student has unique medical considerations known best by his or her doctor, AQ does not supply medical advice. For this reason, we recommend that all families refer back to the expertise of the CDC from time to time (wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel), their health care providers, and/or a travel clinic to gain the most up to date information.

Fleet Sailing

Beyond the strong friendships that naturally form while living aboard a sailing vessel, one of the truly great and unique parts of AQ is the experience of sailing as part of a larger fleet, or ‘flotilla’ of boats.

A flotilla is defined as a group of yachts that voyage together and there are many reasons why sailing in this way may be preferable for both a novice and more seasoned sailor. While 90% of all activities are done with your tight-knit team of 10 to 13 aboard, being part of a larger group is a ton of fun when we are ashore to explore, for a beach BBQ or party night! Plus, we’ll get some friendly competition going between all the boats on our race days too! Flotilla sailing also offers the big advantage of having backup support if necessary. It allows us to have medical staff, trained to a higher level than would otherwise be possible, to be on site, traveling with the group full-time. It also allows our directors to interact with all of our students and staff, maintaining our high level of professionalism, teaching and safety standards throughout the entire program.

Living in the moment

Though the fundamentals of our adventures don’t change, specific logistics evolve as we get closer to the summer and then day by day based on weather. The animated map along with the adventure overview portions on this page should give all families a basic understanding of the kinds of activities we do on the voyage. We also suggest looking through last summer’s Trip Logs for a more detailed travel log created by the students.

With this in mind, we encourage all participants to “live in the moment”. Traveling by boat requires flexibility and a willingness to accept adversity and change. We hope you’ll take any bumps in your stride, and enjoy the adventure!

Even if you are not originating in the U.S., Leah will be able to provide options and guidance.

How do we get there?

Our recommended route is via St. Thomas (STT) in the USVI although students also have the option of flying to Beef Island (EIS).

Does AQ provide support on travel days?

Yes. We understand that travel days can be stressful for both parents and students, so no matter what time of the day or night, our office team actively monitors and supports our participants during travel. We require students to travel with a mobile phone with domestic data capability so we can monitor their progress and communicate directly if necessary.

For students flying via St Thomas, ActionQuest arranges for a staff member to assist with the transfer to Tortola via ferry. After arrival in Tortola, students are met at the ferry dock by more of ActionQuest’s professional staff, then collectively continue onto a taxi that takes them to the boats.

Emergency money for unanticipated events such as doctors visits etc. – We ask that all students bring $300, which is held by staff and returned at the end of the program.

Discounts and Savings

A one-time total tuition fee deduction of 5% is granted for any two adventures or for two or more students from the same family.

Any two consecutive programs may be joined to form one extended course. In the interim between programs, students stay with staff. The total cost is determined by combining the cost of each program and subtracting the 5% extended course discount. (This discount also applies toward any trips adjoining our sister program GoBeyond.) ActionQuest and/or GoBeyond enrollment for any two programs in the same summer will be considered as a single extended program in the event of withdrawal or dismissal from the trip at any time.

Travel Docs & Visas

All students traveling to the BVI need to have a passport which is valid for a minimum of three months after the date of departure from the BVI. Visitors from certain countries other than the US, UK and Canada may require visas.

For the most up-to-date and thorough information, please visit travel.state.gov. Students traveling on non-U.S. passports should verify passport and visa requirements for your nationality by contacting your local British embassy or consulate or the nearest BVI Tourist Board Office.

One important point to mention is that most students joining us in the BVI do so by flying via St. Thomas, which is part of the US Virgin Islands. This means that those students not flying on a US or Canadian passport need to consider whether they need to apply for a U.S. visa or ESTA (Electronic System for Travel Authorization). Please call us with any questions.

Vaccinations

For visiting the BVI, the CDC recommends that all travelers are up-to-date on routine vaccinations that most of us had as children (measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccine, diphtheria-tetanus-pertussis vaccine, varicella (chickenpox) vaccine, polio vaccine.

That said, we understand that families have varying opinions on vaccinations. Some greatly desire the precaution; others prefer to avoid possible side effects of certain medications. Coupled with the fact that each student has unique medical considerations known best by his or her doctor, AQ does not supply medical advice. For this reason, we recommend that all families refer back to the expertise of the CDC from time to time (wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel), their health care providers, and/or a travel clinic to gain the most up to date information.

Fleet Sailing

Beyond the strong friendships that naturally form while living aboard a sailing vessel, one of the truly great and unique parts of AQ is the experience of sailing as part of a larger fleet, or ‘flotilla’ of boats.

A flotilla is defined as a group of yachts that voyage together and there are many reasons why sailing in this way may be preferable for both a novice and more seasoned sailor. While 90% of all activities are done with your tight-knit team of 10 to 13 aboard, being part of a larger group is a ton of fun when we are ashore to explore, for a beach BBQ or party night! Plus, we’ll get some friendly competition going between all the boats on our race days too! Flotilla sailing also offers the big advantage of having backup support if necessary. It allows us to have medical staff, trained to a higher level than would otherwise be possible, to be on site, traveling with the group full-time. It also allows our directors to interact with all of our students and staff, maintaining our high level of professionalism, teaching and safety standards throughout the entire program.

Living in the moment

Though the fundamentals of our adventures don’t change, specific logistics evolve as we get closer to the summer and then day by day based on weather. The animated map along with the adventure overview portions on this page should give all families a basic understanding of the kinds of activities we do on the voyage. We also suggest looking through last summer’s Trip Logs for a more detailed travel log created by the students.

With this in mind, we encourage all participants to “live in the moment”. Traveling by boat requires flexibility and a willingness to accept adversity and change. We hope you’ll take any bumps in your stride, and enjoy the adventure!